What is PCOS?

PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a common condition in which cysts form on the ovaries. Caused by insulin resistance and an increase in male hormones called androgens, it is condition that results from chemical, hormonal, and metabolic imbalance. In a normal menstrual cycle, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) triggers about 20 follicles to begin growing and releasing estrogen, and the ovaries release one or two eggs. With PCOS, an imbalance can prevent the eggs from developing properly or being released, and they become cysts on the ovaries. The longer the PCOS is untreated, the more cysts develop in the ovaries. Interestingly, the polycystic ovary is not the cause of PCOS, but rather one of many PCOS symptoms.

Infographic explaining PCOS and available treatment methods in San Diego, CA

Know the Warning Signs and Symptoms of PCOS

What are the first signs of PCOS? Early PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, acne, and thinning hair on the scalp. Other common signs include:

Pelvic pain
Excessive hair growth on face and body
Skin tags
Darkening of skin, especially at nape of the neck
Gray-white discharge of breasts
Excess weight and inability to lose weight

Monitor Your Health Risks

There is a connection between PCOS and conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. Because it is a metabolic syndrome, PCOS puts a woman at higher risk of these conditions, but these illnesses also cause a greater risk of PCOS, in a circular connection. PCOS also puts women at risk for infertility, endometrial cancer, sleep apnea, and depression and anxiety.

What Causes PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can have many causes, but there are four probable causes of PCOS itself. Genetics, environmental factors, increased testosterone, and hypothalamus dysfunction all influence the hormones involved in developing PCOS. Estrogen dominance leads to imbalance, and luteinizing hormone can stimulate the ovaries to secrete more male hormones. Cortisol raises insulin levels, and high insulin pushes the ovaries to make even more male hormones. Testosterone and other male hormones, when elevated, trigger the ovaries to produce even more male hormones, and this vicious cycle causes PCOS symptoms.

Heart Disease and PCOS

As insulin resistance rises, the excess glucose in the blood is converted to triglycerides by the liver. These triglycerides can thicken blood and damage blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. There is well-established documentation that women who have PCOS are at a higher risk of heart disease.

Using Diet as PCOS Treatment

By following certain dietary principals, you can reduce PCOS symptoms, lower insulin resistance, and diminish your heart disease risks. Avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates, focusing instead on high fiber, low-glycemic, whole grain carbohydrates, for better blood sugar regulation and hormone balance. Cut out trans fats in favor of healthy fat sources like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. Pack your diet with vegetables, and eat four or five smaller meals a day, with proper portion sizes, rather than two or three large meals. This will help you regulate your blood sugar and improve insulin resistance and PCOS symptoms.

Visit Advanced Functional Medicine for Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare

At Advanced Functional Medicine, we provide integrated, holistic care for women’s bodies and minds, offering solutions for female reproductive health and caring for women’s minds and bodies instead of simply treating symptoms. Our whole body approach to medicine utilizes all-natural, researched-based nutritional approaches to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities, rather than just using medication to treat symptoms. While women often face challenges when seeking healthcare, we emphasize the entire mind and body, offering complete care for females. No matter where you are in your reproductive journey, we will provide you with the comprehensive care you need to thrive. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help restore your health and strengthen your body’s unique physiological functions, call 858-500-5572 or contact us through our website.